Sen. Ritchie is pictured speaking at last week’s Upstate Women’s Leadership Council meeting.

North Country Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, hosted the first meeting of the “Upstate Women’s Leadership Council,” a group aimed at increasing opportunities for personal and professional advancement of women throughout Northern New York.

“Today, women are doing big things,” said Ritchie. “More and more frequently, females are found serving at the helm of businesses and organizations, being elected to office and taking on different leadership roles within our community.”

Ritchie’s Senate district includes northwestern St. Lawrence County.

“The Upstate Women’s Leadership Council seeks to tap into the expertise of our local leaders to help to inspire other women who want to follow in their footsteps," Ritchie said during the meeting last week.

Throughout the past several months, Sen. Ritchie, along with an organizing committee led by Rep. Elise Stefanik and Jefferson County District Attorney Cindy Intschert, have been laying the groundwork for the nonpartisan group, which will work to help women find success in their chosen fields, as well as inspire women of every age to reach for higher goals.

The organizing committee was joined by nearly 30 women from throughout St. Lawrence Jefferson and Oswego counties who. as a part of the Upstate Women’s Leadership Council, will work together to host a conference in the fall, as well as future events that promote networking, mentoring and leadership amongst women.

“I’m excited that so many of our local leaders have shown an interest in being a part of this important group,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

“I know that by working together we can create more opportunities for the women of our region, including those who are just starting out in their careers and looking for mentors to guide them on the path to future success.”

Formation of the Upstate Women’s Leadership Council builds upon prior work Ritchie has done to support women locally, as well as across New York. Ritchie helped push for the adoption of legislation that enhances federal and state laws guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, as well as other measures that would increase workplace protections against gender discrimination.

For more information on the Upstate Women’s Leadership Council, please visit www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.